Tempted by Temptations

Epi Two

AHMED AL MACTOUM's POV

"Hey bro, we should celebrate! It's been two days since you arrived here in Cebu," Ali Kemal said, whispering near my ear as he held up a shot of tequila. He swayed his hips to the beat of the music inside the Uptown bar in Cebu.

I chuckled and clarified that I had no intention of saying anything. It was far too early to be at a bar, but Ali Kemal insisted on arriving at 10 in the evening to take advantage of the VIP accommodations and help me unwind.

I was forced into coming here, but I'm only following Ali's will because I visited him in the Philippines. As I scanned the bar, I couldn't help but notice that Ali relocated here to have an abundance of girls at his disposal, which he couldn't have back in our country. It's quite unfortunate for my friend, but that's just the way it is.

Filipinas are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful women out there and this place is teeming with them. It's a sight to behold!

The waiter brought another iced tea to our table along with three orders of tequila, each with six shots. While I enjoy this type of atmosphere, I'm not much of a party person, so I stayed seated in the VIP section, watching my favorite football episodes featuring the Saudi Pro League club, Al Nassr.

The next VIP table was occupied by a foreign man, who looked like he was in his mid-50s, and two Filipina women. I couldn't help but wonder if they were sharing him. Suddenly, one of the women caught my attention, and I couldn't look away. I was about to take a sip of my iced tea, but her beauty was too distracting.

She's holding a slice of pizza in her left hand and a bag of chips in her right hand, eating slowly and confidently. Unlike other girls who are behaving flirtatiously, she's focused on enjoying her food without any distractions.

She's different.

I was watching her happily eating and----- wait---- is she drinking a beer at the same time?

Oh Allah, please forgive this girl for not behaving well.

I demand to be taken back to where I was watching, but now I'm finding enjoyment in watching her. I refuse to be bored any longer. Just as I was about to avert my gaze, our eyes met with a sudden intensity.

My breath caught in my throat as I watched her, praying that she wouldn't sense my gaze. After what felt like an eternity, she finally turned away. I let out a sigh of relief - that was a close call.

Ali Kemal appeared holding a shot of tequila and sat down next to me. "You seem to have a target for today, brother!" he said, noticing the girl I was watching. "Oh, that girl looks famished!" he added, pointing her out.

"Behave yourself, brother!" I advised, shaking my head and offering a knowing smirk.

He leaned in and whispered, "You can always count on me, brother!"

"Are you behaving here?" I demanded, narrowing my eyes. I then let out a small laugh and firmly punched his chest as if I was fist-bumping him. "Let me guess, you have an abundance of girls here," I said, my tone conveying that I was not to be trifled with.

"Listen, brother, the Philippines is amazing. I can have any girl I want, wherever and whenever I want!" he declared, his chin held high with confidence.

I can't help but feel sorry for the girls who have been with him, but there's no denying that Ali Kemal is a handsome man. In fact, I firmly believe that he would be quite the catch for any girl around here.

Oh forgive this sinner!

I didn't waste a moment as I saw her walking towards the restroom. I marched over to her table with determination and took a seat. After all, why wait for a chance to talk to her when I could create one myself?